I’m having a party this weekend, and looking for easy- and I mean EASY- inexpensive, cool things to do to make it special, without being pretentious.
Let me introduce you to the Citrus Peel Candle.
Trust me, this is like one of those 1980′s aerobics videos- High Results and Low Impact (to your busy day and wallet).
What you’ll need:
Citrus fruits, in this demonstration they used Satsuma Oranges, but I’m convinced it could work with any citrus fruit.
Olive or Vegetable Oil
Spoon
Matches
The stem side of the Satsuma will be the bottom and base of the candle. Lightly score a ring around the top 1/3 portion of the orange. Peel off the top.
Because Satsumas are known for their loosely attached peels, the orange should easily be removed. Gently separate the orange from of the peel with the help of a spoon. Slowly work the spoon towards the bottom and pry the orange out from the sides, making sure not to break through the middle.
Once the flesh of the orange is taken out, the pith connecting the outer stem should remain. The pith will be the wick of the candle. Snip the outer stem off with a pair of scissors so the candle can sit flat.
***Pith= that weird piece of white nastyness that runs from end to end inside the orange. This is the thing you throw out when you eat a peeled orange.
Pour a few glugs of olive oil into the orange, leaving just the very tip of the pith exposed. Use the spoon to submerge the top of the pith into the oil for just a few seconds. It’s now ready to be lit!
*** Tip: if you’re having trouble lighting the pith, it’s probably because it has too much moisture. Try letting the peel dry overnight (without oil) and don’t forget to submerge the tip into oil for a few seconds before lighting.
Depending on the length of the pith, the candle should burn for at least a couple of hours. Remember, never leave candles unattended while burning!
Blam!
Totally doing this one! Except, I’m going to try it with oranges, lemons, and limes, and use them outside and inside to make a delicious smell and “mood lighting”!
LOVE THIS!
Idea courtesy of Honestly…WTF.
